My personal observations; inspired by life experiences and the world around me. My own revelations; thoughts; snippets of wisdom; random insanity; blunt honesty. I hope to attempt in some small way to be insightful; or not so much. Some laughter, a few tears but mostly just... ME!
The thoughts, views and comments written here are mine alone and written from the beliefs I have developed, from the observations, actions and words of others.

Monday, April 4, 2011

"Anonymous" Posters Beware

I am sure to tweak some noses with this rant. I have made my feelings known on prior occasions as it relates to the comments made by the "Anonymous" person. Usually these comments appear in a verbal joust with someone in the comments section of a specific post. So I am sure there are those who may have not gotten a true read of my feelings for those who hide behind the "Anonymous" label when taking shots at others, me or my rants.

As a disclaimer, I get why some feel fear of retribution for speaking their mind. I don't always agree with the reasons for being anonymous, but in this city and on this department, I get it. Having said that, I believe if you have something to say, own it, say it and stand tall. This means identifying yourself and not skulking behind a computer screen using the "Anonymous" tag.

I recently jousted with two "Anonymous" individuals who complained about their perceived lack of fairness for people like myself who rant on their BLOGS and in some way are not held accountable (See March Madness). In the first comment, "Anonymous" wrote;

"So how do you get to have a blog like this and not get in trouble? Are you aware of our departments dispatchers being fired for face book postings? From what I understand and heard in line up two of the dispatchers were being fired and they mentioned no names or department information. Just some immature post about clothing and being treated bad. They get fired and you get praised... Sheez very unfair is it because your in the drop? I don't think either of them are... But both have taken very good care of me in the field. They are Hero's every day. Such a loss to our department. Rant About that... You probably won't post this because it will put you in a bad light."I responded with the following: "I posted your comments "Anonymous" even though you do not have the courage to use your name. I fail to see how your comments put me "in a bad light."The problem with your comments is you speak of rumor and conjecture from a position of not having facts to support anything you write. I will not comment on anything you mentioned regarding a private, personnel issue. Your comments about their issues are out of line and not professional. In regard to my "not getting in trouble" due to my writing this BLOG; how ignorant and naive you are. I walk a tight rope every time I press the send button to post a new rant. I have few if any supporters among the command staff of the SDPD and could most likely NOT find a supporter among any of the elected politicians in San Diego. I have paid a high price for my willingness to write about the issues in San Diego politics.I use my name and do not hide behind my computer screen when I write my BLOG. I wish those who take the time to post comments could have the courage to do the same. I do understand why so many do not, but posting rumors, information regarding personnel issues or derogatory comments about individuals without taking ownership diminishes the credibility of the information. I won't rant about the issues you posed above. I would also suggest you not either."

Then the following was written by another "Anonymous" writer:"I have to agree with anonymous on this one. I have come to the realization that "freedom of speech" only applies to "blog writers" Ever notice that whenever anyone questions or comments about something that is written in blogs the blog writers get offended and some even throw tantrums that they are being questioned about it !! How is it that they are the only ones who can say anything about anybody and not be willing to answer to any of the crap they "blog" about?? Makes no sense to me and never will.....My motto is if you can dish it out you sure as hell better be able to take it !!!"I had to laugh at the comments by the last coward, I mean "Anonymous" writer. I thought to myself, "Really? Do you not get what a BLOG is and who controls its content?" Those of us who write a BLOG do so for many reasons. Mostly we enjoy the therapeutic aspects of writing about our thoughts, feeling and frustrations in life. We do enjoy a level of freedom related to our writings as it relates to the First Amendment. I pride myself in being as factually correct as possible and am not afraid to add my personal feelings and beliefs at the same time. I have demonstrated a willingness to allow others, even the "Anonymous" contributors to comment to my BLOG, even when their comments have no relevance to anything written. I responded with the following:

"Another "Anonymous" comment that attempts to take a shot but ends up becoming a self inflicted wound. I have never thrown a "tantrum" nor been offended at a persons comments to my blog... that is for those who stand tall and take responsibility and ownership for their words. I have also not edited nor failed to post the comments of people writing about my rants with the exception of one poster who I know personally who does not write about my rants but issues she has. I respect anyone willing to show their face and take ownership of their words. I also have little respect for the "Anonymous" poster.
I am responsible for every word I write. This BLOG is mine. I do it for my pleasure, not yours. If you dis-like something you read here, get over it. If you can't get over it, move on and read something else. The purpose of the comment section of a BLOG is to comment on the posters rant. When someone hides behind "Anonymous" I can't get worked up or take serious anything they say.

Feel free to leave your comment anytime... you will neither offend me nor get me to throw a tantrum... but understand I will fire back and point out how wrong you are when it is obvious..."So I get home this evening and see the following:

"You need to go back and re-read what I posted.....Never once were YOU singled out, I said "some" blog writers throw tantrums when they are questioned about certain things said in there blogs. If you chose to take that personally that is on you. I simply was trying to make the point that in my personal experiences/opinions only the blog writer has the right to say whatever they feel and if they happenexpress their feelings on what was written "certain" blog writers cant handle it or the truth. Seeing how you have and I quote from your response "no respect for me or take anything I have to say seriously" because for certain reasons I choose to respond anonymously ?? how mature is that?? I rest my case. P.S. not all anonymous responders are bad people.....take care.""Because for certain reasons I choose to respond anonymously?"

Yes, you hit it on the head. First, the comments about BLOG writers is written on MY BLOG and implied, by agreeing with the first contributor, who is hiding behind his/her computer screen, that my response to his/her initial comment was in some way throwing a tantrum. Try and fend off responsibility for comments, but it does not pass the smell test. It's easy staying anonymous and skulking behind a computer screen to make comments unchecked because ones identity is not known. The comments were clearly directed at me and my response to the first "Anonymous". Taking responsibility and ownership for words and actions requires an individual to stand tall and upfront. That means showing his/her face and providing their identity. To do anything less shows a lack of integrity, honesty and courage.ANYONE can cast stones in a pitch black room without fear of reprisal. Turn the lights on and this same person will sit silently with their hands in their lap. Some would call them a coward. Others may call them spineless. Few will take them seriously. The "Anonymous" writer is often the same person who sits in the back of a room bitching about everything under the sun, under his/her breath of course and keeps quiet when a supervisor or other individual asks for input. He/she is the first to agree with the person who spoke up, but will do so AFTER the supervisor or other leaves. Like I said at the beginning of this rant; I get why some refuse to identify themselves. That does not mean I agree nor respect what they have to say. I believe that is one of the contributing factors of what is wrong with things today. Too many are unwilling to accept responsibility for their words and actions. There are too few willing to stand up and be counted when it counts. Yet we are all suppose to believe these same people will join in when the chips are down and things get dicey. I know from experience too many expect others to do for them and want others to say what needs to be said. I believe the "Anonymous" poster would be better served to sit silent in thought, than post as "Anonymous" hiding behind a computer screen.I will continue to post comments from those who lack the courage and testicular courage to use their identity. That does not mean I will respect them or what they have to say. If this proves in some way what the coward "Anonymous" wrote, I'm guilty as charged. Lastly, not all anonymous posters are bad people. They just lack courage in my eyes.who hide behind the "Anonymous" label when taking shots at others, me or my rants.

As a disclaimer, I get why some feel fear of retribution for speaking their mind. I don't always agree with the reasons for being anonymous, but in this city and on this department, I get it. Having said that, I believe if you have something to say, own it, say it and stand tall. This means identifying yourself and not skulking behind a computer screen using the "Anonymous" tag.

I recently jousted with two "Anonymous" individuals who complained about their perceived lack of fairness for people like myself who rant on their BLOGS and in some way are not held accountable (See March Madness). In the first comment, "Anonymous" wrote;

"So how do you get to have a blog like this and not get in trouble? Are you aware of our departments dispatchers being fired for face book postings? From what I understand and heard in line up two of the dispatchers were being fired and they mentioned no names or department information. Just some immature post about clothing and being treated bad. They get fired and you get praised... Sheez very unfair is it because your in the drop? I don't think either of them are... But both have taken very good care of me in the field. They are Heros every day. Such a loss to our department. Rant About that... You probably won't post this because it will put you in a bad light."

I responded with the following:

"I posted your comments "Anonymous" even though you do not have the courage to use your name. I fail to see how your comments put me "in a bad light."

The problem with your comments is you speak of rumor and conjecture from a position of not having facts to support anything you write. I will not comment on anything you mentioned regarding a private, personnel issue. Your comments about their issues are out of line and not professional.

In regard to my "not getting in trouble" due to my writing this BLOG; how ignorant and naive you are. I walk a tight rope every time I press the send button to post a new rant. I have few if any supporters among the command staff of the SDPD and could most likely NOT find a supporter among any of the elected politicians in San Diego. I have paid a high price for my willingness to write about the issues in San Diego politics.

I use my name and do not hide behind my computer screen when I write my BLOG. I wish those who take the time to post comments could have the courage to do the same. I do understand why so many do not, but posting rumors, information regarding personnel issues or derogatory comments about individuals without taking ownership diminishes the credibility of the information.
I won't rant about the issues you posed above. I would also suggest you not either."

Then the following was written by another "Anonymous" writer:

"I have to agree with anonymous on this one. I have come to the realization that "freedom of speech" only applies to "blog writers" Ever notice that whenever anyone questions or comments about something that is written in blogs the blog writers get offended and some even throw tantrums that they are being questioned about it !! How is it that they are the only ones who can say anything about anybody and not be willing to answer to any of the crap they "blog" about?? Makes no sense to me and never will.....My motto is if you can dish it out you sure as hell better be able to take it !!!"

I had to laugh at the comments by the last coward, I mean "Anonymous" writer. I thought to myself, "Really? Do you not get what a BLOG is and who controls its content?" Those of us who write a BLOG do so for many reasons. Mostly we enjoy the therapeutic aspects of writing about our thoughts, feeling and frustrations in life. We do enjoy a level of freedom related to our writings as it relates to the First Amendment. I pride myself in being as factually correct as possible and am not afraid to add my personal feelings and beliefs at the same time. I have demonstrated a willingness to allow others, even the "Anonymous" contributors to comment to my BLOG, even when their comments have no relevance to anything written.

I responded with the following:

"Another "Anonymous" comment that attempts to take a shot but ends up becoming a self inflicted wound. I have never thrown a "tantrum" nor been offended at a persons comments to my blog... that is for those who stand tall and take responsibility and ownership for their words. I have also not edited nor failed to post the comments of people writing about my rants with the exception of one poster who I know personally who does not write about my rants but issues she has. I respect anyone willing to show their face and take ownership of their words. I also have little respect for the "Anonymous" poster.

I am responsible for every word I write. This BLOG is mine. I do it for my pleasure, not yours. If you dis-like something you read here, get over it. If you can't get over it, move on and read something else. The purpose of the commed people.....take care."

"Because for certain reasons I choose to respond anonymously?" Yes, you hit it on the head. First, the comments about BLOG writers is written on MY BLOG and implied, by agreeing with the first contributor, who is hiding behind his/her computer screen, that my response to his/her initial comment was in some way throwing a tantrum. Try and fend off responsibility for comments, but it does not pass the smell test. It's easy staying anonymous and skulking behind a computer screen to make comments unchecked because ones identity is not known. The comments were clearly directed at me and my response to the first "Anonymous" commenter.

Taking responsibility and ownership for words and actions requires an individual to stand tall and upfront. That means showing his/her face and providing their identity. To do anything less shows a lack of integrity, honesty and courage. ANYONE can cast stones in a pitch black room without fear of reprisal. Turn the lights on and this same person will sit silently with their hands in their lap. Some would call them a coward. Others may call them spineless. Few will take them seriously. The "Anonymous" writer is often the same person who sits in the back of a room bitching about everything under the sun, under his/her breath of course and keeps quiet when a supervisor or other individual asks for input. He/she is the first to agree with the person who spoke up, but will do so AFTER the supervisor or other leaves.

Like I said at the beginning of this rant; I get why some refuse to identify themselves. That does not mean I agree nor respect what they have to say. I believe that is one of the contributing factors of what is wrong with things today. Too many are unwilling to accept responsibility for their words and actions. There are too few willing to stand up and be counted when it coun

3 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Beware? Really?? From what I can tell you seem to be the type that has gone through life getting your way by intimidation. Although I am in your words an "anonymous coward" I dont fall for that crap, I find it almost comical to tell you the truth. Seeing how this is "YOUR" blog, "YOU" own it, "YOU" control it, why not block the stupid "anonymous" button option off of your page?? Why keep letting us "cowards" push your buttons and ask questions that obviously strike certain nerves with you?? Good luck to you, I am done....

It's nice to see you too have a sense of humor. I find dolts like you comical. "I don't fall for that crap" made me laugh... Thank you!!! You cowards do not push my buttons. I just enjoy the mental jousting with the moranic masses who skulk and hide behind their computer screens. If you are that scared to use your name I'm sure a guy like me would intimidate you and make you feel like I'm some big bad bully.

I get 15 e-mails for every anonymous post from people who read this dribble who don't want to publish comments as anonymous, but will send me their comments. They all get a good laugh out of people like you.

About Me

Veteran of the San Diego Police Department who retired on 12/30/2011, after 32 years 8 months; San Diego native born and raised; Fed up with the treatment of government workers at the hands of a mayor and city council who do not value the public's interest or safety. Retired from a career in Law Enforcement that for the most part has been entertaining if not educational. I spent 12 years (1994-2006) as a Trustee for the Poway Unified School Districts Board of Education. I also served two stints as a Director for the San Diego Police Officer's Association. Politics has taught me a lot about people. I would be hard pressed to find something good about politics and politicians. So I write